Top 20 Tips for Keeping Chickens

Alphapets Top 20 Chicken-Run Keeping Tips

1. Provide adequate space: Chickens need plenty of space to move around and exercise. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 4 square feet of space per bird in the coop and 10 square feet of space per bird in the chicken run.
2. Provide proper nutrition: Chickens need a balanced diet of grains, protein, and calcium to stay healthy and lay eggs. You can purchase commercial feed or create your own feed mix. You should not feed anything from your home kitchen.
3. Keep the coop clean: Regularly clean the coop to remove soiled bedding, droppings, and debris. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites.
4. Provide fresh water: Chickens need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Check their waterers daily and refill as needed
5. Protect against predators: Make sure the coop and run are predator-proof by using sturdy materials, and locks on doors.
6. Monitor for signs of illness: Watch your chickens for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea. Isolate any sick birds to prevent the spread of disease.
7. Provide nesting boxes: Chickens need nesting boxes to lay their eggs. Provide one nesting box for every 3-4 hens, and fill them with clean bedding material.
8. Provide dust baths: Chickens need to take dust baths to keep their feathers clean and free from parasites. Create a dust bath area using sand or dry soil.
9. Provide entertainment: Chickens are curious and intelligent animals that need stimulation. Provide them with toys, perches, and other enrichment activities.
10. Check local regulations: Before keeping chickens, check your local authority bylaws and regulations to ensure you are allowed to keep them and comply with any restrictions.
11. Introduce new chickens gradually: If you are adding new chickens to your flock, introduce them gradually and keep them isolated from the rest of the flock for a few days to prevent aggression and disease transmission.
12. Provide shade: Chickens need shade to stay cool in the summer months. Provide shade using trees, shrubs, or a chicken-run roof cover.
13. Provide ventilation: Good ventilation in the coop is essential for maintaining good air quality and preventing the buildup of ammonia.
14. Use proper lighting: Chickens need at least 14 hours of light per day to lay eggs consistently. Use a timer to ensure they are getting the proper amount of light.
15. Monitor egg production: Keep track of how many eggs your chickens are laying and note any changes in production. This can be a sign of illness or stress.
16. Provide roosting space: Chickens need a place to roost at night. Provide sturdy roosts that are at least 2 inches wide and raised off the ground to prevent predators from accessing the chickens.
17. Provide grit: Chickens need grit to help them digest their food. Provide a container of grit that is accessible to the chickens at all times.
18. Keep the chicken run dry: Provide drainage in the chicken run to prevent standing water, which can lead to disease and parasites.
19. Keep the chicken run secure: Make sure the chicken run is completely enclosed and free from holes or gaps that predators can use to gain access.
20. Stay informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest information on chicken care and keep learning as you go. Join a chicken-keeping community or read books and articles on the subject to expand your knowledge.